Water

Events

Illinois-Indiana Master Watershed Steward Program

June 6, 2024 - August 1, 2024

County

Cook

everyday environment hands holding plastic on a beach

Microplastic Pollution: The Big Problem with Tiny Plastic

June 13, 2024

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Blog Posts

Simple steps to help prevent the spread of invasive species 

May 8, 2024

There are a few simple steps to prevent the spread of invasive species. Avoid moving soil or debris from one area to another. When engaging...

ISAP Soil Health Leadership Program

May 6, 2024

Soil health is a vital component for productive fields, but it is a complex topic. The Illinois Sustainable Ag...

sun shining on water faucet dripping water

From field to faucet: The critical role farmers play in protecting our water

April 28, 2024

Farmers have a huge role to play in keeping our waters clean. According to the National Water Quality Assessment, agricultural runoff is the...

Uncovering the power of clover cover

April 5, 2024

Interested in diversifying your cover crop mix or exploring the power of clover cover? Episode 61 of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction podcast...

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News Releases

May 8, 2024

Adventures await in Naturalist Core Education program
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension's Naturalist Core Education Training is designed for adults of any age who love to learn about the natural world. The goal of the program is not to teach people everything there is to know about the...

Fungi growing at the base of a large old tree in a forest

March 13, 2024

Spring back into nature with sustainability tips from Everyday Environment series
URBANA, Ill. — Every spring, nature reminds us of the beauty of the wild spaces that surround us. Wildflowers bloom in the forest understory. Mushrooms pop up overnight in your front yard. The sun sets slowly over a lake. Explore tips to manage the threat of invasive plants, explore the...

Text "Rain Garden Rumble" with illustrations of native plants

February 27, 2024

Root for your favorite native plant in Rain Garden Rumble playoff
URBANA, Ill. — It’s plant versus plant in the return of the Rain Garden Rumble that pits native flowers against each other in a friendly competition to take home the 2024 title. This March, get to know 28 plants native to Illinois by building a bracket and voting for your favorites in the annual...

USDA NRCS Chief Terry Cosby stands at a podium speaking to a crowd

February 19, 2024

Agriculture, environmental leaders urge continued collective action on nutrient pollution prevention
 URBANA, Ill. — Nutrient pollution in Illinois waterways is complicated. The nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus leach into lakes, rivers, and streams from a wide variety of sources. So, both the solutions to reducing nutrient loss and those involved in developing and putting those practices...

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Videos

Empower Illinois: Strategies to Reduce Nutrient Pollution and Protect Waterways

The lakes, streams, and rivers of Illinois are vital for drinking water, wildlife, recreation, fishing, and industry, and everyone has a role in safeguarding water here and downstream.

Explore what nutrient pollution is by learning about the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy,...

Reduce Flooding & Water Pollution with Rain Gardens and Native Plants

Rain gardens and native plants incorporated into home and business landscapes can help to reduce localized flooding, improve local water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and much more. Learn how to consider natural options to handle rain runoff and walk through the recent renovation of the...